Have you always wanted a herb garden but have no idea where to start? Herbs are some of the easiest, most grateful plants to grow both outdoors and indoors. Whether you have a garden, balcony or only a windowsill, by following our simple guidelines you can also have a herb garden bursting with flavour and fragrance.

Planning your garden

Check which bottled herbs you have in the cupboard and which herbs you use the most often. From these select the herbs that you need the most. Firm favourites include: basil, rosemary, mint, parsley, coriander, lavender, thyme, sage and oregano.

Shopping for herbs

Some herbs (like basil, chives, lemongrass, parsley and thyme) do best when they are bought as seeds. It's best to buy other herbs like mint, rosemaryand tarragon as actual plants. Check with your local nursery, if you are unsure.

Claustrophobic herbs

Spacing your herbs the correct distance apart is also important, as overcrowded plants will go hungry. Speak to someone at your local nursery about how much space each type of herb needs around it. Herbs in general do not need a lot of space, one square metre is enough for about ten plants.

Don't let all your effort go down the drain

Drainage is very important for growing fresh herbs. Grow your herb garden in soil that drains well or improve the drainage by adding organic matter (compost, peat moss, composted manures). If you choose to plant your herbs in a container, make sure it has at least one hole in the bottom. Soil solutions

Herbs will not grow in wet clay soil so use good-quality potting soil that will also ensure adequate drainage. Herbs grow best in slightly alkaline soil, so if you think your soil is too acidic, sprinkle some lime juice over it. The lime juice acts as a catalyst that will help the herbs make the most of the soil's nutrients.

Where will your garden grow?

The best site for your herb garden will be the sunniest and least windy spot in your garden or house. Group herbs according to their requirements. Place herbs that require lots of sun with like herbs and group shade loving plants together. Growing your herb garden in a big pot is a good idea, because then you can bring it inside in the winter and you can move it around to get the most sun. A window box or individual pots for each herb are also ideal.

Herbal sun worshippers

Location is the key to a successful herb garden. Most herbs grow best in full sun, but partial shade will often do. Herbs need as much sun as possible in order to reach their full capacity for flavour and fragrance.

The rule of the green thumb is for the herbs to get a minimum of four to seven hours of direct sun per day. If this is not possible, your herbs will still grow, but they might be a bit scraggly and disease prone, so give them a little extra attention.

Herbs that prefer full sun include:

Basil

Chives

Dill

Oregano

Rosemary

Tarragon

Thyme

Herbs that prefer partial shade include:

Chervil

Lemon balm

Mint

Herbs for every occasion

Are you crazy about Italian food or do you prefer French cuisine? Here are some tried and tested herbal gardens to suit your taste:

A taste of Italy

Thyme

Sweet Basil

Oregano

Majoram

Italian parsley

A French connection

Sage

Chives

Tarragon

Chervil

Parsley

Going green

Celery

Rocket

Salad burnet

Garlic chives

Parsley

Heaven scent

Pineapple sage

Lemon thyme

Lemon balm

Rose scented geranium

Lavender

Here are some of the most common and loved herbs and how they like to be treated:

Coriander Plant type: annualSoil: sun or partial shadeLocation: tolerates poor soilDays to maturity: 90 Uses: the seeds and leaves can be used in curries, soups and stews or as a stuffing for chicken. Also used in cakes, cookies and breads.Handy tips: Coriander is known as dhanya in South Africa. You can pick young leaves at any time. If you want to dry them, place them on a wire rack in a warm, airy place and then store in an airtight jar

LavenderPlant type: perennialSoil: moist, well-drained soilLocation: Sun or partial shadeDays to maturity: 60 Uses: dried leaves and flowers can be used in potpourris, cosmetics or in netting sachets to keep your linen smelling freshHandy tips: before the last flowers have opened, cut stems and hang in bunches upside down in a warm airy place. Once dry, remove the leaves and flowers and store them in an airtight jar. Lavender flowers are very fragrant and the herb can be used as an attractive landscape plant as well.

OreganoPlant type: perennialSoil: well-drained soilLocation: sun, can grow indoors Days to maturity: 60 Uses: can be used in any Italian dish. Fresh or dried leaves add flavour to soups, stews and pasta sauces. Sprinkle over pizzas, salads, vegetables and meat or fish dishesHandy tips: pick fresh leaves whenever you need them or cut stems just before the plant is in full flower. Dry them on a wire rack in a airy place then pick off the leaves and keep them in an airtight container

ParsleyPlant type: biennial, although usually grown as an annualSoil: rich, moist soilLocation: sun or partial shade, can grow indoors Days to maturity: 75Uses: fresh leaves can be used in soups, stews and sauces, or as garnishing on almost any dish. Parsley is also a natural breath freshner.Handy tips: Soak seeds for 48 hours to speed up germination

RosemaryPlant type: tender perennialSoil: well-drained soilLocation: sun or partial shade, can grow indoors Days to maturity: 85Uses: best in meat (especially lamb) or fish dishes and sauces. Also used in cosmeticsHandy tips: don't worry if it doesn't grow straight away, germination is often erratic

SagePlant type: perennialSoil: rich, well-drained soilLocation: tolerates poor, dry soil and grows well indoorsDays to maturity: 75Uses: fresh or dried in beef and fish dishes as well as stews. Good for stuffing and is a common sausage flavouringHandy tips: well-drained soiled is a necessity

ThymePlant type: perennialSoil: tolerates poor soilLocation: sun or partial shade, grows well indoorsDays to maturity: 70Uses: fresh or dried in omlettes, bland soups and stews. Also a great stuffing for chicken or a flavouring for salads and roast vegetablesHandy tips: pinch back new growth to encourage bushiness

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